Conveyor system

ABSTRACT

A conveyor system which includes an endless conveyor link supported above ground level with spaced supports; at least one support bracket affixed to the link to extend outwardly away from one side thereof and the downwardly below the link; turning means coacting with the link for changing its direction of travel away from the one side of the link; turning means coacting with the link for changing its direction of travel towards the opposite side of the link; and drive means coacting with the link for longitudinally propelling it.

1r United States atem [151 3,638,780

Snow Feb. 1, 1972 [54] CONVEYOR SYSTEM Primary Examiner-Edward A. Sroka [72] Inventor 1:3 s gk rmb Snedden Dnve Attorney-C. Harvey Gold, David V. Trask and William S.

Britt [22] Filed: May 14, 1970 [211 App1.No.: 37,164 [57] ABSTRACT A conveyor system which includes an endless conveyor link supported above ground level with spaced supports; at least one support bracket affixed to the link to extend outwardly [58] Fie'ld 177 191 away from one side thereof and the downwardly below the link; turning means coacting with the link for changing its direction of travel away from the one side of the link; turning [56] References cued means coacting with the link for changing its direction of UNITED STATES PATENTS travel towards the opposite side of the link; and drive means 3 557 706 1/1971 M 104/173 X coacting with the link for longitudinally propelling it. aurer 1,229,002 1/1941 Cowey ..l98/ 177 X 15 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures wsmzn m 11972 $638,780

HEET 1UP 2 ng Area Load! Unloading Area \l- PATENTED FEB um $638780 SHEET 2m 2 I 68 llllLH' VENTO Claren 9 Snow CONVEYOR SYSTEM BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Over the years, a number of overhead endless cable conveying systems have been used for a great variety of functions.

One example of such a system is the conventional ski lift. Generally, such overhead systems include an endless cable mounted on spaced vertical supports and on turn tables positioned at the opposite ends of the cable runs. While such systems are easily adapted to service areas defined with straight line boundaries which intersect at angles of 180 or less, difficult problems arise in turning the endless cable to both the right and the left of its straight line direction of travel. This is so because the support framework to which the conveyed item is attached generally passes downwardly along one side of the cable such that it will run into conventional turning structure positioned on that one side of the cable.

Accordingly, it is the principal object of this invention to provide an overhead cable conveyor system that can be turned in either direction away from its line of travel.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved product support bracket for overhead conveyors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Briefly, the invention relates to an overhead conveyor system which comprises an endless link supported above ground level with spaced supports; at least one support bracket affixed to said link to extend outwardly away from one side of the link and downwardly below the link; at least one turning means coacting with the link for changing its direction of travel towards the one side of said link; and drive means coacting with the link for link for longitudinally propelling it.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention at least one turning means coacts with the link for changing its direction of travel away from the one side of the link.

In another embodiment of the invention the turning means for changing the direction of the link away from the one side comprises an idler wheel having its perimeter covered with a resilient material.

In still another embodiment of the invention the means for changing the direction of the link towards its one side comprises an idler wheel with a programmed detent sized to receive the portion of the support bracket which extends outwardly and downwardly along the one side of the link.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS So that the invention may be more readily understood and carried into effect, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which are offered by way of example only and are not to be taken as limiting the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims which obviously embrace equivalent structures.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the assembled overhead conveyor system of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the preferred programmed detent idler wheel of this invention for changing the direction of cable travel of the conveyor system.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken in the plane of line 3-3 of FIG. 2 looking in the direction of the arrows.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the detent idler wheel of this invention with coacting position-locking means.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a cable idler wheel.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the idler wheel shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side view of one type of product support bracket suitable for use with the overhead cable conveyor system of this invention.

FIG. 8 is an end view of the product support bracket shown in FIG. 7.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now more particularly to the drawings in FIG. 1 there is shown an overhead conveyor system constructed according to this invention. The system includes an endless link 10 such as a conventional steel cable, wire, rope, etc., supported above ground level about an enclosed course on supports 12 such as idler pulleys grooved to receive link I0. Supports 12 are fixedly secured at a predetermined height above ground level to an overhead frame 14 which also supports turning wheels 16 and 18, hereinafter described in detail. Support brackets 20, also hereinafter described in detail, are affixed to link 10 at a predetermined spacing for transporting a product from a loading area to an unloading area removed from the loading area. As further described, the support brackets can be activated with contact 22 to discharge their load in the unloading area.

As shown in FIG. 1, link 10 is mounted on right-hand turning wheels 16 and left-hand turning wheels 18. The link is propelled along its course by driving at last one turning wheel in a conventional fashion with drive motor 24.

Turning wheel 18 is shown in detail in FIGS. 2-4. As illustrated, the wheel includes a generally cylindrically shaped hub 26 rotatably mounted on a center support axle 28 as an idler hub. A channeled link support surface 30 is positioned about a portion of the periphery of hub 26 to receive link 10 and be driven therewith. Idler rollers 32 are mounted about the remaining peripheral edge portion of hub 26 to coact with link 10 and be driven therewith when hub 26 is held in a fixed position. Each idler roller 32 is mounted to hub 26 with a shaft 34 secured to the hub 26 proximate the peripheral edge of said hub. Finally, a detent 36 is formed in hub 26 which is sized to receive support bracket 20. Detent 36 is positioned between one end of surface 30 and an idler roller 32.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, idler hub 26 can be locked in a fixed position with key 38 mounted to lever 40 which in turn is rotatably mounted at one end with pin 42 to overhead support 14. Key 38 is positioned between spaced ridge members 44 and 46 when link 10 is riding on idler wheels 32 and not on channelled link support surface 30. A roller 48 is preferably-journaled to the end of lever 40 for coaction with bracket 20 as hereinafter described. The number and spacing of idler wheels 32 mounted to hub 26 is determined by the turning angle through which link I0 is to pass. For example, when the link is to be turned idler wheels 32 will be positioned about approximately one-quarter of the hub's periphery.

In operation, key 38 is positioned between spaced ridge members 40 and 46 to hold idler hub 26 in a fixed position. When thus secured, link 10 turns about the hub riding on idler wheels 32. As the link travels along its course support bracket 20 moves into the hub's detent 36 and coacts with roller 48 to lift lever 40 and key 38 away from ridge member 46. Thereafter, bracket 20 moves against sidewall 50 of detent 36 and causes hub 26 to begin rotating. When this occurs link 10 beings riding within a channeled surface 30 and rotates hub 26 by its coaction with said surface 30 even when bracket 20 has moved out of detent 36. This action continues until link 10 is again positioned to ride entirely on idler rollers 32 at which time key 38 falls into place between ridge members 44 and 46 to hold idler hub 26 in a fixed position so that the next support bracket affixed to link 10 will move into detent 36.

One preferred type of turning wheel 16 is illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown, the turning wheel includes a conventional wheel hub 52, such as an automobile hub, supporting a pneumatic tire 54. The hub 52 is rotatably mounted on shaft 56 which is in turn affixed to the overhead support structure 14. By using a turning structure of this type link l0 can ride in any position about the peripheral edge of tire 54 while still being effectively turned thereover. Preferably, the outside peripheral edge 56 of the tire 54 is substantially cylindrical in shape so that link 10 will not easily slide thereoff.

The preferred product support bracket of this invention is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. As shown the bracket includes frame 20 connected at one end to link 10 and shaped to extend outwardly and preferably upwardly away from one side of said link. From its outward position frame 20 extends downwardly below link and then back under the link below support pulley 12. The offsetting lever structure of frame is used so that frame 20 does not jam against pulley 12 or wheel 16 while link 10 moves along its course of travel and so that the weight of an object attached to the support bracket is applied substantially directly downward on the link 10.

A product support lever 58 is pivotally attached with hinge 60 to the lower end of frame 20 so that the portion of lever 58 positioned below link 10 can swing downwardly away from said link. Lever 58 is locked in a support position with locking structure which includes a roller 62 journaled to shaft 64 which in turn is affixed to one end of a latch 66 journaled to frame 20. When lever 66 is rotated by urging shaft 64 in one direction or the other with, for example, a fixed contact 22 positioned to coact with shaft 64 or latch 66, roller 62 moves away from counterweight 68 which allows support lever 58 to drop when the weight supported thereon is greater than that of counterweight 68. Once the article supported on lever 58 drops counterweight 68 urges lever 58 back to a substantially horizontal position whereupon the lever is locked in this position with roller 62 which again swings over counterweight 56. In the preferred embodiment of the invention a combination counterweight-stop 70 is affixed to lever 66 which urges it to move to a locked position aligned with frame 20. Most preferably, lever 66 isjournaled to frame 20 with pin 72 which is offset from the center line X-X of lever 66 to insure locking.

It is to be noted that while the description of the conveyor system of this invention herein set forth describes the use of different types of turning means for turning the link to the right and to the left from its straight line direction of travel it is within the scope of the invention to use turning wheels 18 for both functions.

What is claimed is:

l. A turning device for changing the direction of travel of a moving conveyor link with at least one support bracket attached to said link which extends outwardly and downwardly away from one side of said link, said turning device comprising an idler hub; idler means positioned about a portion of the periphery of said idler hub to support the moving link when said link is passed around a predetermined peripheral portion of said idler hub; a link support surface positioned about a portion of the periphery of said idler hub to coact with said moving support link to drive said idler hub; and detent means positioned in the periphery of said idler hub between one end of the link support surface and said idler means and sized to receive said support bracket.

2. The turning device of claim 1 wherein said link is an endless cable.

3. The turning device of claim 2 wherein locking means coact with said idler hub for locking said hub against rotational movement when said link is riding only on said idler wheel means.

4. In an overhead conveyor system a support bracket for attaching articles to be transported to a moving support link which comprises a support frame connected proximate one end to said support link;a product support lever pivotally connected to the end of said support frame opposite from the end connected to said link; and latching means connected to said support frame and coacting with said lever for holding said lever in a support position.

5. The support bracket of claim 4 wherein said support frame is shaped to extend upwardly and outwardly away from the link to which the frame is attached and then downwardly below said link.

6. A conveyor system which comprises an elongated link; at least one support bracket affixed to said link to extend outwardly away from one side of said link; drive means coacting with said link for longitudinally propelling said link; and at least one turning means coacting with said link for changing the direction of link travel towards said one side of said link, said turning means comprising an idler hub, idler means positioned about a portion of the peripher of said idler hub to support the moving link when said lin is passed around a predetermined peripheral portion of said idler hub, a link support surface positioned about a portion of the periphery of said idler hub to coact with said moving support link to drive said idler hub, and detent means positioned in the periphery of said idler hub between said idler means and one end of said link support and sized to receive said support bracket.

7. The conveyor system of claim 6 wherein said link is an endless cable.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein said support bracket comprises a support frame connected at one end to said link; a product support lever pivotally connected to the end of said support frame opposite from the end connected to the link; and latching means connected to said support frame for holding said lever in a support position.

9. A conveyor system which comprises an elongated link; at least one support bracket affixed to said link to extend outwardly away from one side of said link, said support bracket comprising a support frame connected proximate one end to said link, a product support lever pivotally connected to the end of said support link opposite from the end connected to said link, and latching means connected to said support frame and coacting with said lever for holding said lever in a support position; driving means coacting with said link for longitudinally propelling said link; and at least one turning means coacting with said link for changing the direction of link travel towards said one side of said link.

10. A conveyor system which comprises an elongated link; at least one support bracket affixed to said link to extend outwardly away from said one side of said link; driving means coacting with said link for longitudinally propelling said link; at least one turning means coacting with said link for changing the direction of link travel away from said one side of said link, said turning means comprising a pneumatic tire mounted on an idler hub; and at least one turning means coacting with said link for changing the direction of link travel towards said one side of said link.

11. The conveyor of claim 10 wherein said turning means for changing the direction of link travel towards said one side of said link comprises an idler hub; idler means positioned about a portion of the periphery of said idler hub to support the moving link when said link is passed around a peripheral portion of said idler hub; a support surface positioned about a portion of the periphery of said idler hub to coact with said moving support link to dive said idler hub; and detent means positioned in the periphery of said idler hub between said idler means and one end of said support link surface and sized to receive said support bracket.

12. The system of claim 10 wherein said turning means comprises an idler hub; idler means positioned about a portion of the periphery of said idler hub to support the moving link when said link is passed around a predetermined peripheral portion of said idler hub; a link support surface positioned about a portion of the periphery of said idler hub to coact with said moving support link to drive said idler hub; and detent means sized to receive said support bracket positioned in the periphery of said idler hub between said idler means and one end of said link support surface.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein said link is an endless cable.

14. The system of claim l3 wherein said support bracket comprises a support frame connected proximate one end to said link; a product support lever pivotally connected to the end of said support frame opposite from the end connected to said hub; and latching means connected to said support frame and coacting with said lever for holding said lever in a support position.

15. The system of claim l4 wherein said support frame is shaped to extend upwardly and outwardly away from the link to which said frame is attached and then downwardly below said link. 

1. A turning device for changing the direction of travel of a moving conveyor link with at least one support bracket attached to said link which extends outwardly and downwardly away from one side of said link, said turning device comprising an idler hub; idler means positioned about a portion of the periphery of said idler hub to support the moving link when said link is passed around a predetermined peripheral portion of said idler hub; a link support surface positioned about a portion of the periphery of said idler hub to coact with said moving support link to drive said idler hub; and detent means positioned in the periphery of said idler hub between one end of the link support surface and said idler means and sized to receive said support bracket.
 2. The turning device of claim 1 wherein said link is an endless cable.
 3. The turning device of claim 2 wherein locking means coact with said idler hub for locking said hub against rotational movement when said link is riding only on said idler wheel means.
 4. In an overhead conveyor system a support bracket for attaching articles to be transported to a moving support link which comprises a support frame connected proximate one end to said support link; a product support lever pivotally connected to the end of said support frame opposite from the end connected to said link; and latching means connected to said support frame and coacting with said lever for holding said lever in a support position.
 5. The support bracket of claim 4 wherein said support frame is shaped to extend upwardly and outwardly away from the link to which the frame is attached and then downwardly below said link.
 6. A conveyor system which comprises an elongated link; at least one support bracket affixed to said link to extend outwardly away from one side of said link; drive means coacting with said link for longitudinally propelling said link; and at least one turning means coacting with said link for changing the direction of link travel towards said one side of said link, said turning means comprising an idler hub, idler means positioned about a portion of the periphery of said idler hub to support the moving link when said link is passed around a predetermined peripheral portion of said idler hub, a link support surface positioned about a portion of the periphery of said idler hub to coact with said moving support link to drive said idler hub, and detent means positioned in the periphery of said idler hub between said idler means and one end of said link support and sized to receive said support bracket.
 7. The conveyor system of claim 6 wherein said link is an endless cable.
 8. The system of claim 7 wherein said support bracket comprises a support frame connected at one end to said link; a product support lever pivotally connected to the end of said support frame opposite from the end connected to the link; and latching means connected to said support frame for holding said lever in a support position.
 9. A conveyor system which comprises an elongated link; at least one support bracket affixed to said link to extend outwardly away from one side of said link, said support bracket comprising a support frame connected proximate one end to said link, a product support lever pivotally connected to the end of said support link opposite from the end connected to said link, and latching means connected to said support frame and coacting with said lever for holding said lever in a support position; driving means coacting with said link for longitudinally propelling said link; and at least one turning means coacting with said link for changing the direction of link travel towards said one side of said link.
 10. A conveyor system which comprises an elongated link; at least one support bracket affixed to said link to extend outwardly away from said one side of said link; driving means coacting with said link for longitudinally propelling said link; at least one turning means coacting with said link for changing the direction of link travel away from said one side of said link, said turning means comprising a pneumatic tire mounted on an idler hub; and at least one turning means coacting with said link for changing the direction of link travel towards said one side of said link.
 11. The conveyor of claim 10 wherein said turning means for changing the direction of link travel towards said one side of said link comprises an idler hub; idler means positioned about a portion of the periphery of said idler hub to support the moving link when said link is passed around a peripheral portion of said idler hub; a support surface positioned about a portion of the periphery of said idler hub to coact with said moving support link to dive said idler hub; and detent means positioned in the periphery of said idler hub between said idler means and one end of said support link surface and sized to receive said support bracket.
 12. The system of claim 10 wherein said turning means comprises an idler hub; idler means positioned about a portion of the periphery of saId idler hub to support the moving link when said link is passed around a predetermined peripheral portion of said idler hub; a link support surface positioned about a portion of the periphery of said idler hub to coact with said moving support link to drive said idler hub; and detent means sized to receive said support bracket positioned in the periphery of said idler hub between said idler means and one end of said link support surface.
 13. The system of claim 12 wherein said link is an endless cable.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein said support bracket comprises a support frame connected proximate one end to said link; a product support lever pivotally connected to the end of said support frame opposite from the end connected to said hub; and latching means connected to said support frame and coacting with said lever for holding said lever in a support position.
 15. The system of claim 14 wherein said support frame is shaped to extend upwardly and outwardly away from the link to which said frame is attached and then downwardly below said link. 